James B. Whitehead

James B. Whitehead, age 69, of Dexter, MI, passed away on June 18, 2025, at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital. He was born on November 24, 1955, in Grand Rapids, MI, the son of Loy and Joanne (Mackie) Whitehead.

Forty-four years ago, he met Joan K. (Bramble) on a blind date, and they married on August 2, 1980 in Marshall, MI.

James earned a master’s degree in mechanical engineering and dedicated 40 years of his career to Ford Motor Company. He enjoyed golfing and traveling, and especially enjoyed visiting many of the country’s National Parks. He found joy in spending time with his grandchildren and attending their many sporting events.

James was a handyman who could fix just about anything. He was the builder of treehouses, maker of hunting blinds, and the giver of tractor rides. If something needed doing, James was always there to help. He was new to the Catholic faith, and he was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea.

James is survived by his wife, Joan Whitehead; four children, Christy (Jeff) Lower, Marianne (Dan) Mutschler, Jim (Andrea) Whitehead, and Brad (Jayma) Whitehead; 13 grandchildren; his mother, Joanne Whitehead; as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles. He was preceded in death by his father, Loy Whitehead, and a brother, Jesse Whitehead.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Sunday, June 22, 2025, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 23, 2025,11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, MI, with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. James will be laid to rest at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Marshall.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Fountain Clinic in Marshall, or the Flint Mission Project, make checks payable to St. Mary Catholic Church, put in Memo: Flint Mission.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Marleyn A. Eder

Marleyn A. Eder, age 64, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on June 18, 2025. She was born in Ann Arbor, MI on May 25, 1961, the daughter of Junior Raymond and Allyn Marie (Kohsman) Seitz.

Marleyn was raised in Chelsea and graduated from Chelsea High School, Class of 1979, and then Eastern Michigan University, earning a Business degree in 1983. She married Douglas C. Eder on May 5th, 2000, and he survives, along with their son, Adrian C. “Ace” Eder.

Marleyn worked as a Pharmacy Technician, starting at Chelsea Pharmacy, and onto Chelsea Hospital, St. Joseph Hospital, and then worked as the Business Manager for Pharmacy Solutions.

Marleyn loved her family. She enjoyed family get-togethers, spending time with and especially spoiling her nieces and nephews. She loved baking and was known for her sweets and desserts. She also enjoyed spending time with her friends, doing lunches and up north getaways. She loved traveling with her family, up north, all over Michigan and across the country, stopping to eat at various restaurants along the way.

She was a kind, loving, and genuine person and will be dearly missed by many.

In addition to her husband and son, she is survived by her two siblings: Delayn (Gary) Haynes of Manchester and Christofer (Mary) Seitz of Chelsea; brother-in-law, Jeff Newland; eight nieces and nephews: Justin (Dallas) Seitz, Morgan Seitz, Emma (John) Lowry, Josh Haynes, Torre (Chris) Kolokithas, Kehlsi Haynes, Trey Seitz, and Jordan Seitz; four great-nephews, Kaid Kolokithas, Emerson Kolokithas, Wyatt Lowry, and Cole Lowry, and three great-nieces, Eila Kolokithas, Mia Kolokithas, and Annabelle Lowry. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister, Brenda Newland Seitz.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Marleyn’s memory may do so to the American Diabetes Association.

Lori M. Mayrand

Lori Michelle Mayrand, age 56, of Pinckney, MI, passed away at her home on June 15, 2025, surrounded by her family.

She was born on August 17, 1968, in Ann Arbor, MI, the daughter of David L. Pliner and Lynn M. (Kennedy). She grew up in Pinckney and developed many lifelong friendships, many of which began in elementary and high school. During her high school years, she was a member of the Poms team, and the highlight was performing at the Aloha Bowl. She graduated from Pinckney High School in 1986.

Lori had a dynamic and joyful spirit. She loved spending time outdoors. Always up for an adventure, she competed in mud bogs and derbies. She enjoyed traveling, boating and camping, and trips to the Silver Lake Sand Dunes. She also taught line dancing and was part of a bowling league, where she made many lasting friendships.

Lori was the heart of her family—she was the organizer and the glue that brought everyone together. She was an epic party planner, especially for her kids' birthdays. She enjoyed crafting and cooking, pouring love into everything she did. She was known to prepare far more food than needed, always joking that we "wouldn’t like it anyway."

Above all, Lori was a devoted and proud mother. Her daughters were her world. She was so excited to be a grandma and meet her first and only grandchild, born just a few weeks before she passed away.

Lori is survived by her two daughters, Bailey (CJ) McCrea and Darion (Max Gast) Mayrand; stepdaughter, Brittany (Taylor Christensen) Mayrand; her grandson, Cameron McCrea; mother, Lynn Harvey; brother, Jason (Rickelle) Tomshany; stepsisters, Jen (Bill) Crosby and Jill (Cory) Mann; stepbrother, Paul (Lisa) Tomshany; nieces and nephews: Tony, Justin, Catie (Jake Nelson), Shelby, Laila, Kellen, Quinn, Landon, Sully, Camden, and Kyler; her ex-husband, Jamie (Susan) Mayrand; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless dear friends. She was preceded in death by a cousin, James Douglas Kennedy.

Lori was a fighter, a true warrior in every sense. Her strength, warmth, and humor left a lasting impression on everyone she met. “Long story short”… Lori will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025, at the Dexter American Legion Hall, 8225 Dexter-Chelsea Road, Dexter, MI 48130, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a Memorial Service beginning at 4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family via this LINK.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Joey D. Moore

Joseph D. “Joey” Moore, age 34, of Gregory, MI, passed away on June 14, 2025. Joey was born on May 1, 1991, in Farmington Hills, MI, the son of Tracey Moore and Richard Wright.

Also known as "Bo Duke," Joey was just a good 'ol boy. Being an avid outdoorsman, he spent most of his time hunting, fishing, trapping, and running his dogs. His adventurous soul knew no limits, taking him to explore across the country.

Joey was known for his kind spirit and generous heart. The creed that he lived by and his tattoo read, "My Brother's Keeper." He was the type of person who would go out of his way to help others, always, no questions asked. He will be remembered for his big heart, his love of the outdoors, and the care he had for those around him.

He is survived by his mother, Tracey Moore; a brother, Jesse T. Wright, and his father, Richard Wright.

A gathering of family and friends will take place on Friday, June 20, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge.

Dorsie Whittaker

Dorsie Whittaker, of Homer, MI, died peacefully June 11th, 2025 with her children by her side. Dorsie was 92 years old. She was born on February 1st , 1933 in Prestonsburg, KY.

Dorsie married Del on May 28th, 1955. They had three children, Frances (deceased), Pamela (married to Steve Chappell), and Timothy (married to Lori). She has three grandchildren, Jessica (deceased) married to Josh Robinson, Stephen “Cody”, and Hunter (married to Derrik Lattig); and one great-grandchild, Whitley Lattig.

Dorsie worked for many years and retired from Concord Manufacturing. Dorsie was a loving mother and also a very strong and independent woman. She was fortunate to live in her own home until hospitalized two months prior to death. She loved working in her yard, her flower gardens, and vegetable garden.

Dorsie was in control of her life even upon death. She was prepared to join the Lord and said her goodbyes to loved ones. She will be missed by all that were fortunate to know her.

A graveside service will be attended by her immediate family on June 13th, 2025, 10:00 a.m., at North Aurelius Cemetery, Mason, MI.

Erwin A. Herrst Sr.

Erwin Alan Herrst Sr., age 66, of Manchester, MI, passed away at his home on June 11, 2025. He was born on November 16, 1958, in Ann Arbor, MI, the son of Bernard Sr. and Elizabeth (Zahn) Herrst.

Erwin was raised on the Herrst family farm in Chelsea and graduated from Chelsea High School in 1977. A lifelong hard worker, he worked as a farmer and heavy equipment operator. Known and respected by many, Erwin was a familiar face in his community. He was a longtime member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Chelsea, where he enjoyed making sauerkraut and selling tickets for the church’s annual sauerkraut supper—an event he enjoyed and looked forward to each year.

Erwin was a loving father and proud grandfather who cherished time with his family. He enjoyed Chelsea and Manchester high school sports and was an avid NASCAR fan.

Erwin is survived by two children, Erwin A. Herrst II and Hilary Herrst; five grandchildren: Dominik, Mason, Brooklyn, Stella, and Isabella Rose; his siblings, Bob (Sandra) Herrst, Ken (Annette) Herrst, and Sue Cervera; sister-in-law, Kathy Herrst; brother-in-law, Steve Daniels; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ron Herrst; and sisters, Elizabeth Herrst and Rose Ann Daniels.

Visitation will take place at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. The family will also receive friends at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, June 19, 2025, 11:00 a.m., at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Chelsea, with Pastor Daniel Pezzica officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church.

Dorothy L. Moore

Dorothy L. Moore, age 83, passed away on June 3, 2025 at home surrounded by family. Dorothy was born on July 23, 1941 in Jackson, MI, the daughter of Howard E. and Evelyn Louise (Dawson) McEldowney. She married Arthur Richard Moore and he preceded her in death. She later married Raymond Moore, who also preceded her in death.

Dorothy is survived by three children, Roger (Beth) Moore, Dawn (jim) Alexander, and Richard Moore; ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; her siblings: Gerald (Avis) McEldowney, JoAnn (Brad) Flack, and Janet (Rich) Lawrence; as well as many niece and nephews. She was preceded in death by five siblings.

Dorothy loved helping people. She enjoyed cooking, baking, canning, quilting, crocheting, and knitting. She also enjoyed working outside and raking leaves.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, June 22, 2025, 2:00 p.m., at the Kingdom Hall, 17690 W. Old US 12, Chelsea. A Zoom link is available for any that can't attend in person. Please contact Dawn at DAlex64LW@hotmail.com.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Mary Sieg Wilkins

Mary Morvith Sieg Wilkins, age 93, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away surrounded by family on May 6, 2025.

She was born on January 5, 1932, the daughter of Gustav A. and Susanna (Howard) Sieg and grew up in Glenshaw, PA. She earned a registered nurse degree from Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing in Pittsburgh, PA. Mary married Robert Wilkins, her high school sweetheart, on December 27, 1952. At the time of Robert’s death in July, 2018, they had been married 63 years.

She is survived by her four children: Patricia Wilkins, Thomas Wilkins, Christine (Gregory) Goodearl, and Roberta (Patrick) Dorgan; grandchildren: Michelle Henson (Michelle Wagner), Shannon Henson, Elisabeth (Christian) Anderson, Rebecca Goodearl, Hope Goodearl, David Wilkins (Emilie Samuelsen), and Erica (Mitchell Swanson) Dorgan; great-grandchildren: Cadence and Charlotte Anderson, and Isabella Kyrisch; and a special “family adopted” friend and daughter: Suzanne Kelly (Nelson). In addition to her husband, Robert, she was preceded in death by her siblings: Doris, Jane, Ann and Howard.

Mary worked as a registered nurse for over 40 years in hospitals in Pennsylvania and Michigan. She was a homemaker and full-time mother. She also worked as the office manager for an electronic security business which was co-founded with her husband, Bob. She was an active booster and volunteer with all her children' s activities in school, sports and band. She gave her grandchildren continual encouragement and attended every school band concert from 6th through 12th grades.

Mary was an avid theater fan. She and Bob ushered at the Fisher Theater in Detroit for over 25 years and saw all of the best musical and stage productions. Mary loved to play bridge and called her bi-weekly ladies group her “therapy and mental health support” group. She and Bob rarely missed a week playing bridge at the Chelsea Senior Center. She loved her flower gardens. Every spring brought a new opportunity to plant more perennials. She was an avid member of the Chelsea Garden Club. She was an accomplished seamstress sewing a variety of creations from children's clothes to prom and bridesmaid dresses. In her retirement she learned to quilt. She finished her sewing career by making walker bags and donating them to the Chelsea Hospital Inpatient Rehab Clinic and Silver Maples.

Mary was always ready for an adventure, whether it involved skiing, camping, fishing or canoeing. She and Bob fulfilled a dream when they traveled full time with their travel trailer for six years. They spent their first winter “on the road” by camping in Breckenridge, CO so they could ski every day. One summer was devoted to traveling to Alaska. They fulfilled their list of visiting all 50 states and added on six Canadian Provinces. Mary was an active member of Novi United Methodist Church for over 40 years. She and Bob moved to Dexter in 2002 and were active members of Dexter United Methodist Church. When the Dexter church disaffiliated, she transferred to Chelsea First United Methodist Church. The family is deeply appreciative of the devotion to Mary’s care given by Stephanie Johnson.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, 11:00 a.m., at the Chelsea First UMC, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. All are invited to enjoy a meal following the service. Rev. Joy Barrett will officiate.

Memorials may be made to Chelsea First UMC, Faith in Action of Chelsea, or Arbor Hospice.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

John T. Claffey

John T. Claffey, age 85, formerly of Dexter, MI, passed away on June 9, 2025, at the Chelsea Retirement Community.

John was born on August 12, 1939, in Grand Rapids, MI, the son of Homer G. and Mary Eileen (Yager) Claffey. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves and National Guard. John built his career at Ford Motor Company, where he worked for many years as a Manager in the Transmission Lab. He loved cars, from old cars to hot rods.

He married his childhood friend, Nancy Lee (Mayrand), and together they built a life centered on faith and family. They raised three children: Michael, Thomas, and Susan.

John and Nancy shared a love for travel, entertaining friends, and golfing. John was an avid outdoorsman in his youth and enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing. He was a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Parish in Dexter and a proud member of the Dexter Knights of Columbus.

Following his retirement, John and Nancy moved to Tucson, AZ where they enjoyed living on a golf course and the many friendships they made over the years. Nancy passed away in 2019.

John is survived by his children, Michael (Rhonda Lemasters) Claffey, Thomas Claffey, and Susan (Edward) Knight; four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren; his siblings, Carol Claffey and Dennis (Ginny) Claffey; as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Nancy, he was preceded in death by five siblings, James, Gerald, Joseph, Kathleen, and Margaret.

Mass of Christian Burial will be prayed on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Village Church, 3430 Dover Street, Dexter, with Fr. Brendan J. Walsh presiding. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dexter.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Carolyn D. Small

Carolyn Dean Small, age 83, of Pinckney, Michigan, passed away peacefully at her home on June 5, 2025.

She was born on March 7, 1942 in Murray County, Tennessee, the daughter of Howard and Mary Ella (Boyd) Roberts. Carolyn married Leroy Bruce Small Sr. on April 11, 1959 in Wayne County. Together, they built a life filled with love, family, and faith. Leroy preceded her in death.

She was a devoted member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Pinckney for over 50 years. She found great joy in quilting, cooking, baking, canning, and shopping. She also enjoyed gardening, watching her favorite TV shows, reading, talking on the phone and going to garage sales. She cherished her family deeply, and her greatest role was that of a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother.

Carolyn is survived by her children: Michael (Roxanne) Small, Bridget Small, and Stephanie (Gary) Payne; 12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy; three sons, Leroy B. Small Jr., Wade A. Small, and Wayne H. Small; a grandson, Bruce Lee Small; two sisters and one brother.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Pinckney, with Rev. Fr. Dan Kogut officiating. Interment will follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.